NEWSRELEASE
For Release: February 10,
2003
Contact: John McDowell (202) 205-6941
SBA Number: 03-08 ADVO
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
Missouri Small Business To Benefit From Proposed Legislation
Bill To Create Regulatory Fairness Board Lauded In Testimony
WASHINGTON, D.C. Nearly 120,000 Missouri small businesses will benefit from creation of a state regulatory fairness board, according to Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Sullivan testified today before the Missouri Senate Financial and Governmental Organization, Veterans Affairs and Elections Committee and the House Small Business Committee.
While testifying Sullivan said that, "There is no question that small business is the backbone of the economy here in Missouri just as it is throughout the country. Sometimes, because small businesses are small, it is easy to overlook their aggregate importance to the economyand it is easy to overlook how the mass of federal and state mandates is crushing them. The intent of this legislation is to have state agencies consider the consequences on small business BEFORE they regulate."
Sullivan also said that he applauds "Missouris effort to offer this important new tool guarantees small business a seat at the table where government decisions are made."
Sullivan testified on behalf of SB 0069 sponsored by Sen. Anita Yeckel and HB 322 sponsored by Rep. Brian Baker. The companion bills are both titled "Creates the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board to serve as liaison between the agencies and small business."
For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.
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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsels efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.